A story writing whizz kid from Chapeltown has been awarded top prize in a fire service writing competition.

Dylan Briggs, aged eight, was presented with a LEGO City fire station after beating off competition from almost 100 entrants. His story, ‘A day in the life of a firefighter’, also contained an important message about the dangers of playing with matches.

The Lound Junior School pupil’s winning entry was selected by Barnsley born Caryl Hart, now living in Bakewell, Derbyshire who volunteered to judge the South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue competition, which called on youngsters to send in their best piece of creative writing.

Caryl, author of popular children’s books including Don’t Dip Your Chips, Welcome to Alien School and Supermarket Zoo, also selected five runners up who have won a signed copy of one of Caryl’s books.

The runners up have been named as Hannah Emsden, Benjamin Brookes, Toula Stelling, Sarah Mara and Nathan Lee.

Caryl said: “I loved Dylan’s story. It’s funny, charming and very well written. It delivers a clear fire-safety message while keeping the reader entertained and laughing out loud. I love the crazy character and place names that Dylan has used and I think his two main characters are really strong. Top marks Dylan on an excellent, entertaining and informative story.”

Education advocate Julie Claytor, said: “Children are an important audience for us, particularly as they are often the best advocates for fire safety at home. We know from school visits and other education work that they often pass on vital fire safety messages to their families and this competition was another opportunity for us to spread that learning.”

The contest was open to all primary school aged children in South Yorkshire.